EP4076270B1 - Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted - Google Patents

Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4076270B1
EP4076270B1 EP20845206.0A EP20845206A EP4076270B1 EP 4076270 B1 EP4076270 B1 EP 4076270B1 EP 20845206 A EP20845206 A EP 20845206A EP 4076270 B1 EP4076270 B1 EP 4076270B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
medical device
fluid
reservoir
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20845206.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4076270A1 (en
Inventor
Hamid Lamraoui
Pierre Mozer
Aurélien BEAUGERIE
Riaz MIR
Thierry HO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Uromems SAS
Original Assignee
Uromems SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Uromems SAS filed Critical Uromems SAS
Publication of EP4076270A1 publication Critical patent/EP4076270A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4076270B1 publication Critical patent/EP4076270B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
    • A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
    • A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/0095—Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/26—Penis implants

Definitions

  • the invention relates to packaging for a medical device adapted to be implanted in a human or animal body comprising a fluid reservoir.
  • Implantable medical devices include a reservoir of biocompatible fluid coupled to a fluidic circuit.
  • a fluidic circuit can for example make it possible to actuate an element of the device.
  • a device for selectively sealing an anatomical conduit such as the urethra or the bladder neck, may comprise an occlusive cuff surrounding said anatomical conduit and fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir.
  • a pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cuff, so as to increase the compression exerted by the cuff on the conduit, or from the cuff to the reservoir, so as to reduce the compression exerted by the cuff on the conduit.
  • the medical device adapted to be implanted is provided to the surgeon empty of any biocompatible fluid, in packaging whose contents are sterile. The surgeon must therefore expel the air and fill the reservoir with a biocompatible fluid before implantation in the patient.
  • This filling operation must be carried out in such a way as to purge the fluid circuit of the air initially contained. Indeed, any air bubbles are likely to affect the operation of the implantable device and in particular its precision.
  • Another constraint of the filling operation is maintaining the sterility of the device.
  • the document JP S61 154664 A discloses a medical device comprising a housing enclosing a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet forming a fluid connection between the reservoir and a volume external to the housing.
  • An aim of the invention is therefore to define a method for purging a medical device adapted to be implanted comprising a fluid reservoir not requiring manipulation of the device.
  • the biocompatible fluid may be a liquid.
  • the method may include a step of checking the horizontality of the bottom of the tank.
  • said verification is based on a horizontality indicator of the fluid level in the tank.
  • said verification of horizontality is carried out by means of an accelerometer of the medical device.
  • the tank is immersed in a container filled with a fluid to obtain horizontality of the bottom of the tank.
  • the implementation of the purging of the medical device is carried out by moving a movable wall of the reservoir to vary a volume of the reservoir.
  • Said movement of the movable wall of the tank can be carried out by an electromechanical actuator arranged in the housing.
  • the housing comprises a single fluidic outlet and a single fluidic connection between the reservoir and said fluidic outlet.
  • the medical device is adapted to control occlusion of a natural conduit of the human or animal body.
  • the medical device is selected from the group consisting of an artificial sphincter, an artificial muscle, an electrical stimulator, a gastric band, a neurostimulator, and a penile implant.
  • the medical device comprises a housing made of a biocompatible material, for example titanium.
  • the housing contains a reservoir of biocompatible fluid and is provided with a fluid outlet which forms a fluid connection between the reservoir and the environment external to the medical device.
  • Said fluidic outlet can in particular be connected to a tube ensuring a fluidic connection with an element external to the housing.
  • the tank comprises a movable wall, moved by an actuator, the movement of which makes it possible to vary the volume of the tank in a controlled manner. This variation in volume makes it possible to move fluid from the reservoir to the fluid outlet or from the fluid outlet to the reservoir.
  • the actuator is an electromechanical actuator, which is controlled by a control unit to move the movable wall by a determined distance.
  • the control unit can be arranged in the housing.
  • the medical device is thus autonomous, in the sense that it does not require action from the practitioner to fulfill its function.
  • the device advantageously comprises a single fluid outlet and a single fluid circuit between the reservoir and the fluid outlet.
  • the medical device is an artificial sphincter, intended to selectively close an anatomical conduit by exerting a compressive force on said conduit.
  • the medical device may be an artificial urinary sphincter.
  • compression is exerted on the anatomical conduit by means of an occlusive cuff connected to the fluid outlet of the housing by a tube.
  • the electromechanical actuator by moving the movable wall, allows transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the cuff or from the cuff to the reservoir, in order to adjust the compression exerted by the cuff.
  • Such a device differs from artificial sphincters comprising a pump manually actuable by the patient, a pressure regulating balloon and a cuff, in that the device has autonomous, controllable operation, without repetitive manual action by the patient.
  • the medical device may be an artificial muscle, an electrical stimulator, a gastric band, a neurostimulator or a penile implant (non-limiting list).
  • the medical device is arranged in packaging.
  • Said packaging is adapted to keep the medical device sterile by protecting it from external contamination and to protect it from shock.
  • the medical device is empty of biocompatible fluid, the fluidic circuit being filled only in the operating room.
  • said packaging is further adapted to allow the fluidic circuit to be purged without handling the medical device by a practitioner in the operating room.
  • the packaging firstly comprises a tank in which the medical device is held in a so-called vertical position, that is to say in which the reservoir is positioned between the bottom of the tank and the fluid outlet.
  • the tank comprises a horizontal bottom, a side wall, an upper face opposite the bottom in the vertical direction.
  • the tank includes at least one opening configured to allow filling of the tank with a biocompatible fluid.
  • the fluid outlet of the medical device is located below said opening, so that, when filling the tank, the entire medical device, including the fluid outlet, is immersed in the fluid.
  • the tank can advantageously include a visual liquid level indicator placed in the upper part of the tank.
  • the volume of the tank and the position of the indicator have been chosen and dimensioned to allow the filling of the reservoir of the device.
  • the tank may include a cavity in the upper part intended to receive an overflow of biocompatible fluid so as to regulate the overflow of this fluid and avoid excessive filling.
  • the medical device is held in the vertical position by a first holding element arranged on the bottom, the side wall and/or the upper face of the tank.
  • said first holding element is in the form of a housing whose dimensions are adapted to receive a part of the housing by exerting a slight tightening to keep it in the desired position, without damaging it.
  • said housing is arranged in the bottom of the tank.
  • the tank is made for example by molding or forming a plastic material
  • the housing is integrated into the bottom of the tank by molding or forming.
  • the housing can for example be in the form of two parallel partitions spaced the width of the housing apart.
  • the medical device may be packaged with tubing in fluid connection with the fluid outlet.
  • the tank advantageously comprises a second holding element arranged on the bottom and/or the side wall of the tank to maintain a portion of said tubing below the fluid outlet.
  • said second holding element is in the form of a housing arranged in the bottom of the tank, parallel to the housing of the housing.
  • This housing can for example take the form of two parallel partitions spaced apart by the diameter of the tubing.
  • the tank has a parallelepiped shape comprising a side wall with four sides and a bottom, the face opposite the bottom being open.
  • a parallelepiped shape comprising a side wall with four sides and a bottom, the face opposite the bottom being open.
  • this particular form is in no way limiting.
  • the tank can have any other shape, such as a cylindrical shape for example, with a cylindrical side wall and a circular bottom.
  • the bottom of the tank has substantially identical dimensions in two orthogonal directions in a horizontal plane, in order to ensure the stability of the tank, and in particular to avoid any overturning of the tank during the purging of the medical device.
  • the opening of the tank may not be located on the upper face of the tank but on the side wall of the tank, preferably in an upper portion of said wall so as to be at the above the fluid outlet of the medical device.
  • the tank is sized and the opening is arranged so that, when the bottom of the tank extends in a horizontal plane, the tank can be filled with biocompatible fluid at least up to the level of the outlet.
  • device fluidics medical preferably above said outlet.
  • the packaging further comprises a removable cover facing the tank so as to at least partially close the opening.
  • the cover is preferably fitted onto the side wall, and retained thereon by friction or by nesting for example.
  • the cover is configured to be secured to only part of the side wall, the cover having at least one gripping zone distant from the side wall.
  • the cover may have a contour, part of which coincides with the shape of the opening defined by the side wall and part of which is set back from the side wall, to form a passage for the practitioner's fingers making it easier to grip the cover.
  • the cover has another holding element adapted to maintain the medical device in the vertical position.
  • This holding element can be in the form of a housing arranged opposite the housing formed in the tank.
  • the medical device is held in the vertical position in two places, which improves its stability, particularly during transport.
  • the cover can be made by molding or forming a plastic material, and the housing is integrated inside the cover by molding or forming.
  • the housing can for example be in the form of two parallel partitions spaced the width of the housing apart.
  • the packaging includes a tray intended to contain the tank.
  • the tray reinforces the protection of the medical device against shock.
  • the tank also advantageously forms a sterile enclosure for the tank, which improves the protection of the medical device against external contaminants.
  • the tank can be manipulated and opened outside the sterile field of the operating room so as to be able to extract the tank which is transmitted into the sterile field. The tank is then opened and manipulated by the practitioner in the sterile field.
  • the tank can be used in the purging process, by being filled with biocompatible fluid.
  • the process of packaging the medical device can be implemented as follows, with the packaging illustrated on the figure 1 .
  • the assembled medical device 1 is placed in the tank 2.
  • the medical device is engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the tank to maintain said device with the fluid outlet at the above the tank.
  • said tube is also preferably engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the tank to maintain said tubing at the bottom of the tank.
  • the tank 2 comprises a bottom 20 and a side wall 21 which extends substantially vertically from the bottom 20.
  • the side wall 21 On the side opposite the bottom 20, the side wall 21 has an edge 22 which extends outwards in a horizontal plane. Said edge 22 defines an upper face of the tank provided with an opening 24.
  • the medical device 1 comprises a housing 11 in which is arranged a reservoir of biocompatible fluid 13 (shown schematically in dotted lines on the Figure 3 ).
  • the medical device 1 further comprises a fluid outlet 12 which is connected to the housing 11 and in fluid connection with the reservoir 13.
  • the fluid outlet 12 ensures a fluid connection between the reservoir and the exterior of the housing.
  • the fluid outlet 12 is connected to a tube 10, which is intended to be connected, during implantation, to the occlusive cuff.
  • the height of the side wall 21 is greater than the height of the medical device in its vertical packaging position.
  • the medical device 1 when the medical device 1 is arranged in the tank 2, as illustrated in the Figure 3 , the medical device is entirely contained in the tank 2.
  • the fluid outlet 12 is arranged under the opening 24, so that it can be covered with fluid when filling the tank.
  • the reservoir 13 is arranged under the fluid outlet 12 when the media device) is placed in the tank.
  • the bottom 20 has a substantially square shape to ensure the stability of the tank.
  • the bottom 20 of the tank 2 comprises a housing 201 adapted to maintain the medical device in a vertical position.
  • the housing 201 is defined as a cavity formed in the bottom 20, parallel to one of the sides, and extends substantially between the middle of one side and the middle of the opposite side of the bottom 20.
  • the location of the housing is in a central region of the bottom to ensure the stability of the tank - medical device assembly when the medical device is arranged in the housing and the tank is filled with biocompatible fluid.
  • the width of said housing is substantially equal to that of the medical device, in order to allow the insertion and maintenance of the medical device in said housing.
  • the depth of the housing is chosen so as to avoid any tilting of the housing 11; a depth of 5 to 15 mm is suitable for this function.
  • the housing 201 is provided with two pairs of rounded protrusions (not illustrated), in which the protrusions of each pair are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the width of the housing 201.
  • Each pair of protrusions locally restricts the width of the housing 201 and thus exerts a slight tightening on the medical device to maintain it in position.
  • the bottom 20 of the tank further comprises a housing 203 for the tubing 10 of the medical device.
  • the width of said housing is substantially equal to the diameter of the tubing.
  • Said housing is in the form of two parallel studs 204 in relief relative to the bottom 20.
  • the studs have a pair of rounded protrusions (not shown) facing each other in the direction of the width of the housing 203. Said pair of protrusions locally restricted the width of the housing 203 and thus exerts a slight tightening on the tubing.
  • Housing 203 is advantageously parallel to housing 201.
  • housing 201 could be defined by one or more pairs of opposite studs, in relief relative to the bottom of the tank.
  • Housing 203 could be defined as a cavity in the bottom of the tank. Any other shape suitable for maintaining the medical device in a vertical position could be used.
  • the cover 3 is placed on the tank 2.
  • the medical device is then engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the cover to maintain said device with the fluid outlet above the reservoir.
  • the cover may comprise, facing the housing 201, a housing 30 formed in the cover.
  • the housing 30 can be defined by two raised studs relative to the interior surface of the cover, or as a hollow formed in the interior surface of the cover.
  • the width of the housing 30 is substantially equal to the width of the upper part of the medical device 1 in the vertical position.
  • the cover 3 has substantially a cross shape.
  • the cover only closes part of the upper opening of the tank 2, and leaves openings at the corners of the tank suitable for gripping the cover at gripping zones 31 by a practitioner. .
  • the respective shapes and dimensions of the side wall 21 and the edge of the cover 3 are chosen to allow the cover to fit into the tank.
  • the side wall 21 may comprise, in its upper part, a rim 25 adapted to retain a respective edge of the cover 3.
  • a first sheet 4 permeable to a sterilizing gas for example a Tyvek TM cover, is then sealed on the upper edge 22 of the tank.
  • Tank 2 is then placed in tank 5.
  • Tank 5 has a shape similar to that of tank 2 but larger in size.
  • the tank 5 has a sufficient size to fully accommodate the tank 2 while minimizing the free space between the tank 2 and the tank 5, in order to minimize the bulk of the packaging.
  • the tray 5 has a substantially flat bottom 50 and a side wall which extends substantially vertically from the bottom 50.
  • the side wall 51 On the side opposite the bottom 50, the side wall 51 has an edge 52 which extends outwards in a horizontal plane. Said edge 52 defines an upper face of the tray provided with a central opening.
  • the tank 5 has an interior rim 53 providing support for the edge 22 of the tank 2.
  • the bottom 50 of the tank 5 is substantially square to ensure good stability of the tank.
  • a second sheet 6 permeable to a sterilizing gas for example a Tyvek TM cover, is then sealed on the upper edge 52 of the tray 5.
  • the packaging thus sealed is sterilized by any suitable means, then packaged in a box (not illustrated) which constitutes the external envelope in which the medical device is delivered to a practitioner for implantation in a patient.
  • the practitioner takes the packaging out of the box, removes the second sealing sheet, takes out the tank then removes the first sealing sheet.
  • the practitioner takes the tank out of the tank in order to fill it with biocompatible fluid.
  • the horizontality of the bottom of the tank can be ensured by placing the bottom of the tank on a flat and horizontal surface, for example a table.
  • Such a horizontality indicator can be an indicator of the horizontality of a water level in the tank.
  • This indicator can for example be in the form of one or more segments formed in the tank, for example directly by molding, or even by printing, and placed in the upper part of the tank, parallel to the bottom.
  • Such an indicator can also serve as a filling indicator for the practitioner, telling him up to what height of the tank he must pour the biocompatible fluid to allow effective purging.
  • FIG 2 illustrates an embodiment of such an indicator horizontality in the form of an interior line 23 in hollow or relief extending in a horizontal plane inside the side wall 21.
  • said interior line 23 extends on several sides of the wall lateral 21, continuously or discontinuously.
  • the device generally includes an accelerometer arranged in the housing, which can be used, when the medical device is implanted, to determine a posture or activity of the patient.
  • the housing being integral with the bottom of the tank with a determined orientation relative to it (generally perpendicular), the accelerometer can provide an indication of the inclination of the bottom of the tank.
  • this horizontality can be ensured by placing the tank in a container itself filled with a fluid.
  • the tank is sized so that, when it contains the medical device in the position intended for purging, it floats in the container while maintaining the fluid outlet of the medical device above the reservoir.
  • the tray in which the tank is arranged in the packaging can be used as a container for this purpose.
  • biocompatible fluid which is intended for the operation of the medical device.
  • Said fluid may for example be physiological serum.
  • the actuator can be activated several times, for example three times, causing the movement of a movable wall of the tank to vary a volume of the tank and thus exert a pumping action, until the fluidic circuit is completely purged (no air bubbles escaping from the fluid outlet).
  • the medical device includes means of wireless communication with an external remote control, which makes it possible to configure the device and send it activation or deactivation orders.
  • the practitioner can close the fluid outlet or the end of the tubing if necessary, and removes the medical device from the tank for the implantation operation.
  • the intervention of the practitioner is not required during the implementation of the purge. Indeed, once the purge has been initiated, it is the actuator of the device which draws in the biocompatible fluid and expels the air. The practitioner can therefore devote himself to other tasks, such as preparing for implantation. Surgical time can thus be significantly reduced.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Urology & Nephrology (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention concerne un emballage pour un dispositif médical adapté pour être implanté dans un corps humain ou animal comprenant un réservoir de fluide.The invention relates to packaging for a medical device adapted to be implanted in a human or animal body comprising a fluid reservoir.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Divers dispositifs médicaux implantables comprennent un réservoir de fluide biocompatible couplé à un circuit fluidique. Un tel circuit fluidique peut par exemple permettre d'actionner un élément du dispositif.Various implantable medical devices include a reservoir of biocompatible fluid coupled to a fluidic circuit. Such a fluidic circuit can for example make it possible to actuate an element of the device.

Par exemple, un dispositif pour obturer sélectivement un conduit anatomique, tel que l'urètre ou le col vésical, peut comprendre une manchette occlusive entourant ledit conduit anatomique et couplée fluidiquement à un réservoir de fluide. Une pompe permet de transférer du fluide du réservoir vers la manchette, de sorte à augmenter la compression exercée par la manchette sur le conduit, ou de la manchette vers le réservoir, de sorte à réduire la compression exercée par la manchette sur le conduit.For example, a device for selectively sealing an anatomical conduit, such as the urethra or the bladder neck, may comprise an occlusive cuff surrounding said anatomical conduit and fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir. A pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cuff, so as to increase the compression exerted by the cuff on the conduit, or from the cuff to the reservoir, so as to reduce the compression exerted by the cuff on the conduit.

D'autres applications impliquant un réservoir de fluide dans un dispositif médical implanté dans le corps d'un patient concernent le gonflage d'un ballon d'obturation, ou encore le remplissage d'une prothèse.Other applications involving a fluid reservoir in a medical device implanted in the body of a patient concern the inflation of a sealing balloon, or the filling of a prosthesis.

En général, le dispositif médical adapté pour être implanté est fourni au chirurgien vide de tout fluide biocompatible, dans un emballage dont le contenu est stérile. Le chirurgien doit donc chasser l'air et remplir le réservoir d'un fluide biocompatible avant l'implantation chez le patient.In general, the medical device adapted to be implanted is provided to the surgeon empty of any biocompatible fluid, in packaging whose contents are sterile. The surgeon must therefore expel the air and fill the reservoir with a biocompatible fluid before implantation in the patient.

Cette opération de remplissage doit être mise en oeuvre de manière à purger le circuit fluidique de l'air contenu initialement. En effet, d'éventuelles bulles d'air sont susceptibles d'affecter le fonctionnement du dispositif implantable et en particulier sa précision.This filling operation must be carried out in such a way as to purge the fluid circuit of the air initially contained. Indeed, any air bubbles are likely to affect the operation of the implantable device and in particular its precision.

Une autre contrainte de l'opération de remplissage est le maintien de la stérilité du dispositif.Another constraint of the filling operation is maintaining the sterility of the device.

Un remplissage manuel du dispositif par le chirurgien allonge la durée de l'intervention chirurgicale et induit un risque de contamination du dispositif, susceptible d'induire des infections ou des complications chez le patient.Manual filling of the device by the surgeon extends the duration of the surgical procedure and creates a risk of contamination of the device, likely to cause infections or complications in the patient.

Il existe des dispositifs médicaux préremplis mais ces derniers présentent de nombreux désavantages comme par exemple lors de l'étape de stérilisation pendant laquelle il faut s'assurer que le fluide est également stérilisé à travers le dispositif.There are pre-filled medical devices but these have many disadvantages, for example during the sterilization step during which it is necessary to ensure that the fluid is also sterilized through the device.

Le document JP S61 154664 A divulgue un dispositif médical comprenant un boîtier renfermant un réservoir de fluide et une sortie fluidique formant une liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et un volume extérieur au boîtier.The document JP S61 154664 A discloses a medical device comprising a housing enclosing a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet forming a fluid connection between the reservoir and a volume external to the housing.

Brève description de l'inventionBrief description of the invention

Un but de l'invention est donc de définir un procédé de purge d'un dispositif médical adapté pour être implanté comprenant un réservoir de fluide ne nécessitant pas de manipulation du dispositif.An aim of the invention is therefore to define a method for purging a medical device adapted to be implanted comprising a fluid reservoir not requiring manipulation of the device.

A cet effet, un premier objet de l'invention concerne un procédé de purge d'un dispositif médical adapté pour être implanté dans un corps humain ou animal, ledit dispositif médical comprenant un boîtier renfermant un réservoir de fluide et une sortie fluidique formant une liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et un volume extérieur au boîtier, comprenant :

  • la fourniture du dispositif dans un emballage comprenant une cuve, le boîtier étant maintenu dans la cuve dans une position dans laquelle le réservoir est positionné entre le fond de la cuve et la sortie fluidique,
  • le remplissage de la cuve avec un fluide biocompatible, de sorte à immerger dans le fluide une zone de l'emballage extérieure au dispositif médical qui est en liaison fluidique avec la sortie fluidique du réservoir,
  • la mise en oeuvre d'une purge du dispositif médical par remplissage du réservoir par le fluide biocompatible et évacuation de l'air présent du réservoir à la sortie fluidique.
For this purpose, a first object of the invention relates to a method for purging a medical device adapted to be implanted in a human or animal body, said medical device comprising a housing enclosing a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet forming a connection fluid flow between the reservoir and a volume outside the housing, comprising:
  • the supply of the device in packaging comprising a tank, the housing being held in the tank in a position in which the tank is positioned between the bottom of the tank and the fluid outlet,
  • filling the tank with a biocompatible fluid, so as to immerse in the fluid a zone of the packaging external to the medical device which is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet of the reservoir,
  • the implementation of a purge of the medical device by filling the reservoir with the biocompatible fluid and evacuating the air present from the reservoir at the fluid outlet.

De manière préférée, le fluide biocompatible peut être un liquide.Preferably, the biocompatible fluid may be a liquid.

Le procédé peut comprendre une étape de vérification de l'horizontalité du fond de la cuve.The method may include a step of checking the horizontality of the bottom of the tank.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite vérification est basée sur un indicateur d'horizontalité du niveau de fluide dans la cuve.According to one embodiment, said verification is based on a horizontality indicator of the fluid level in the tank.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, éventuellement combiné au précédent, ladite vérification de l'horizontalité est réalisée au moyen d'un accéléromètre du dispositif médical.According to another embodiment, possibly combined with the previous one, said verification of horizontality is carried out by means of an accelerometer of the medical device.

De manière alternative ou complémentaire aux deux modes de réalisation précédents, la cuve est immergée dans un récipient rempli d'un fluide pour obtenir une horizontalité du fond de la cuve.As an alternative or complementary to the two previous embodiments, the tank is immersed in a container filled with a fluid to obtain horizontality of the bottom of the tank.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, la mise en oeuvre de la purge du dispositif médical est réalisée par déplacement d'une paroi mobile du réservoir pour faire varier un volume du réservoir.In certain embodiments, the implementation of the purging of the medical device is carried out by moving a movable wall of the reservoir to vary a volume of the reservoir.

Ledit déplacement de la paroi mobile du réservoir peut être effectué par un actionneur électromécanique agencé dans le boîtier.Said movement of the movable wall of the tank can be carried out by an electromechanical actuator arranged in the housing.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, le boîtier comprend une unique sortie fluidique et une unique liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et ladite sortie fluidique.In certain embodiments, the housing comprises a single fluidic outlet and a single fluidic connection between the reservoir and said fluidic outlet.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, le dispositif médical est adapté pour commander une occlusion d'un conduit naturel du corps humain ou animal.In some embodiments, the medical device is adapted to control occlusion of a natural conduit of the human or animal body.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, le dispositif médical est choisi dans le groupe consistant en un sphincter artificiel, un muscle artificiel, un stimulateur électrique, un anneau gastrique, un neurostimulateur et un implant pénien.In some embodiments, the medical device is selected from the group consisting of an artificial sphincter, an artificial muscle, an electrical stimulator, a gastric band, a neurostimulator, and a penile implant.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue éclatée d'un emballage selon un mode de réalisation ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la cuve ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de l'emballage assemblé de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du dispositif médical dans son emballage ;
  • la figure 5 est un synoptique d'un procédé de purge selon un mode de réalisation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • there figure 1 is an exploded view of packaging according to one embodiment;
  • there figure 2 is a perspective view of the tank;
  • there Figure 3 is a sectional view of the assembled packaging of the figure 1 ;
  • there figure 4 is a perspective view of the medical device in its packaging;
  • there figure 5 is a block diagram of a purging process according to one embodiment.

Description détaillée de modes de réalisationDetailed description of embodiments

Le dispositif médical comprend un boîtier en un matériau biocompatible, par exemple du titane.The medical device comprises a housing made of a biocompatible material, for example titanium.

Le boîtier contient un réservoir de fluide biocompatible et est pourvu d'une sortie fluidique qui forme une liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et le milieu extérieur au dispositif médical. Ladite sortie fluidique peut notamment être connectée à une tubulure assurant une liaison fluidique avec un élément extérieur au boîtier.The housing contains a reservoir of biocompatible fluid and is provided with a fluid outlet which forms a fluid connection between the reservoir and the environment external to the medical device. Said fluidic outlet can in particular be connected to a tube ensuring a fluidic connection with an element external to the housing.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le réservoir comprend une paroi mobile, mue par un actionneur, dont le déplacement permet de faire varier le volume du réservoir de manière contrôlée. Cette variation de volume permet de déplacer du fluide du réservoir vers la sortie fluidique ou de la sortie fluidique vers le réservoir.According to one embodiment, the tank comprises a movable wall, moved by an actuator, the movement of which makes it possible to vary the volume of the tank in a controlled manner. This variation in volume makes it possible to move fluid from the reservoir to the fluid outlet or from the fluid outlet to the reservoir.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, l'actionneur est un actionneur électromécanique, qui est commandé par une unité de commande pour déplacer la paroi mobile d'une distance déterminée. L'unité de commande peut être agencée dans le boîtier. Le dispositif médical est ainsi autonome, en ce sens qu'il ne nécessite pas d'action du praticien pour remplir sa fonction.Particularly advantageously, the actuator is an electromechanical actuator, which is controlled by a control unit to move the movable wall by a determined distance. The control unit can be arranged in the housing. The medical device is thus autonomous, in the sense that it does not require action from the practitioner to fulfill its function.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif comprend avantageusement une unique sortie fluidique et un unique circuit fluidique entre le réservoir et la sortie fluidique.Furthermore, the device advantageously comprises a single fluid outlet and a single fluid circuit between the reservoir and the fluid outlet.

Dans certaines applications, le dispositif médical est un sphincter artificiel, destiné à obturer sélectivement un conduit anatomique en exerçant un effort de compression sur ledit conduit. En particulier, le dispositif médical peut être un sphincter urinaire artificiel.In certain applications, the medical device is an artificial sphincter, intended to selectively close an anatomical conduit by exerting a compressive force on said conduit. In particular, the medical device may be an artificial urinary sphincter.

Dans un tel dispositif, la compression est exercée sur le conduit anatomique au moyen d'une manchette occlusive reliée à la sortie fluidique du boîtier par une tubulure. L'actionneur électromécanique, en déplaçant la paroi mobile, permet de transférer du fluide du réservoir vers la manchette ou de la manchette vers le réservoir, afin d'ajuster la compression exercée par la manchette.In such a device, compression is exerted on the anatomical conduit by means of an occlusive cuff connected to the fluid outlet of the housing by a tube. The electromechanical actuator, by moving the movable wall, allows transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the cuff or from the cuff to the reservoir, in order to adjust the compression exerted by the cuff.

Des exemples d'un tel dispositif médical sont décrits dans le document WO 2016/083428 .Examples of such a medical device are described in the document WO 2016/083428 .

Un tel dispositif se distingue des sphincters artificiels comprenant une pompe actionnable manuellement par le patient, un ballon de régulation de pression et une manchette, par le fait que le dispositif a un fonctionnement autonome commandable, sans action manuelle répétitive du patient.Such a device differs from artificial sphincters comprising a pump manually actuable by the patient, a pressure regulating balloon and a cuff, in that the device has autonomous, controllable operation, without repetitive manual action by the patient.

Dans d'autres applications, le dispositif médical peut être un muscle artificiel, un stimulateur électrique, un anneau gastrique, un neurostimulateur ou un implant pénien (liste non limitative).In other applications, the medical device may be an artificial muscle, an electrical stimulator, a gastric band, a neurostimulator or a penile implant (non-limiting list).

Entre le site de fabrication du dispositif médical et le bloc opératoire dans lequel le dispositif médical est implanté chez un patient, le dispositif médical est agencé dans un emballage. Ledit emballage est adapté pour maintenir le dispositif médical stérile en le protégeant des contaminations extérieures et pour le protéger des chocs. Dans l'emballage, le dispositif médical est vide de fluide biocompatible, le remplissage du circuit fluidique n'étant réalisé qu'au bloc opératoire.Between the manufacturing site of the medical device and the operating room in which the medical device is implanted in a patient, the medical device is arranged in packaging. Said packaging is adapted to keep the medical device sterile by protecting it from external contamination and to protect it from shock. In the packaging, the medical device is empty of biocompatible fluid, the fluidic circuit being filled only in the operating room.

Comme décrit par la suite, ledit emballage est en outre adapté pour permettre la purge du circuit fluidique sans manipulation du dispositif médical par un praticien au bloc opératoire.As described below, said packaging is further adapted to allow the fluidic circuit to be purged without handling the medical device by a practitioner in the operating room.

L'emballage comprend tout d'abord une cuve dans laquelle le dispositif médical est maintenu dans une position dite verticale, c'est-à-dire dans laquelle dans le réservoir est positionné entre le fond de la cuve et la sortie fluidique.The packaging firstly comprises a tank in which the medical device is held in a so-called vertical position, that is to say in which the reservoir is positioned between the bottom of the tank and the fluid outlet.

La cuve comprend un fond horizontal, une paroi latérale, une face supérieure opposée au fond selon la direction verticale.The tank comprises a horizontal bottom, a side wall, an upper face opposite the bottom in the vertical direction.

La cuve comprend au moins une ouverture configurée pour permettre le remplissage de la cuve avec un fluide biocompatible.The tank includes at least one opening configured to allow filling of the tank with a biocompatible fluid.

La sortie fluidique du dispositif médical est située en-dessous de ladite ouverture, de sorte que, lors du remplissage de la cuve, l'ensemble du dispositif médical, incluant la sortie fluidique, est immergé dans le fluide.The fluid outlet of the medical device is located below said opening, so that, when filling the tank, the entire medical device, including the fluid outlet, is immersed in the fluid.

Pour s'assurer que le remplissage de la cuve en fluide biocompatible est suffisant pour mettre en oeuvre le procédé de purge, la cuve peut avantageusement comporter un indicateur visuel de niveau de liquide disposé dans la partie haute de la cuve. Avantageusement, le volume de la cuve et la position de l'indicateur ont été choisis et dimensionnés pour permettre le remplissage du réservoir du dispositif.To ensure that the filling of the tank with biocompatible fluid is sufficient to carry out the purging process, the tank can advantageously include a visual liquid level indicator placed in the upper part of the tank. Advantageously, the volume of the tank and the position of the indicator have been chosen and dimensioned to allow the filling of the reservoir of the device.

Alternativement, la cuve peut comporter une cavité en partie supérieure destinée à recevoir un trop-plein de fluide biocompatible de sorte à réguler le débordement de ce fluide et éviter un remplissage excessif.Alternatively, the tank may include a cavity in the upper part intended to receive an overflow of biocompatible fluid so as to regulate the overflow of this fluid and avoid excessive filling.

Le dispositif médical est maintenu dans la position verticale par un premier élément de maintien agencé sur le fond, la paroi latérale et/ou la face supérieure de la cuve.The medical device is held in the vertical position by a first holding element arranged on the bottom, the side wall and/or the upper face of the tank.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit premier élément de maintien se présente sous la forme d'un logement dont les dimensions sont adaptées pour recevoir une partie du boîtier en exerçant un léger serrage pour le maintenir dans la position souhaitée, sans l'endommager.According to one embodiment, said first holding element is in the form of a housing whose dimensions are adapted to receive a part of the housing by exerting a slight tightening to keep it in the desired position, without damaging it.

De manière avantageuse, ledit logement est agencé dans le fond de la cuve.Advantageously, said housing is arranged in the bottom of the tank.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la cuve est réalisée par exemple par moulage ou formage d'un matériau plastique, et le logement est intégré au fond de la cuve par moulage ou formage. Le logement peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme de deux cloisons parallèles distantes de la largeur du boîtier.According to a preferred embodiment, the tank is made for example by molding or forming a plastic material, and the housing is integrated into the bottom of the tank by molding or forming. The housing can for example be in the form of two parallel partitions spaced the width of the housing apart.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, le dispositif médical peut être emballé avec une tubulure en liaison fluidique avec la sortie fluidique. Dans ce cas, la cuve comprend avantageusement un second élément de maintien agencé sur le fond et/ou la paroi latérale de la cuve pour maintenir une portion de ladite tubulure en-dessous de la sortie fluidique.In some embodiments, the medical device may be packaged with tubing in fluid connection with the fluid outlet. In this case, the tank advantageously comprises a second holding element arranged on the bottom and/or the side wall of the tank to maintain a portion of said tubing below the fluid outlet.

De manière avantageuse, ledit second élément de maintien se présente sous la forme d'un logement agencé dans le fond de la cuve, parallèlement au logement du boîtier. Ce logement peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme de deux cloisons parallèles distantes du diamètre de la tubulure.Advantageously, said second holding element is in the form of a housing arranged in the bottom of the tank, parallel to the housing of the housing. This housing can for example take the form of two parallel partitions spaced apart by the diameter of the tubing.

Selon un mode de réalisation adapté, représenté sur les figures, la cuve présente une forme parallélépipédique comprenant une paroi latérale à quatre côtés et un fond, la face opposée au fond étant ouverte. Cependant, cette forme particulière n'est aucunement limitative.According to a suitable embodiment, shown in the figures, the tank has a parallelepiped shape comprising a side wall with four sides and a bottom, the face opposite the bottom being open. However, this particular form is in no way limiting.

Ainsi, selon d'autres modes de réalisation non illustrés, la cuve peut présenter toute autre forme, telle qu'une forme cylindrique par exemple, avec une paroi latérale cylindrique et un fond circulaire.Thus, according to other embodiments not illustrated, the tank can have any other shape, such as a cylindrical shape for example, with a cylindrical side wall and a circular bottom.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le fond de la cuve présente des dimensions sensiblement identiques selon deux directions orthogonales dans un plan horizontal, afin d'assurer la stabilité de la cuve, et éviter notamment tout renversement de la cuve lors de la purge du dispositif médical.Particularly advantageously, the bottom of the tank has substantially identical dimensions in two orthogonal directions in a horizontal plane, in order to ensure the stability of the tank, and in particular to avoid any overturning of the tank during the purging of the medical device.

Selon certains modes de réalisation non illustrés, l'ouverture de la cuve peut ne pas être située sur la face supérieure de la cuve mais sur la paroi latérale de la cuve, de préférence dans une portion supérieure de ladite paroi de sorte à se trouver au-dessus de la sortie fluidique du dispositif médical.According to certain embodiments not illustrated, the opening of the tank may not be located on the upper face of the tank but on the side wall of the tank, preferably in an upper portion of said wall so as to be at the above the fluid outlet of the medical device.

Dans tous les cas, la cuve est dimensionnée et l'ouverture est agencée de sorte que, lorsque le fond de la cuve s'étend dans un plan horizontal, la cuve puisse être remplie de fluide biocompatible au moins jusqu'au niveau de la sortie fluidique du dispositif médical, de préférence au-dessus de ladite sortie. Ainsi, lors de la purge, l'ensemble du circuit fluidique s'étendant entre le réservoir et la sortie fluidique peut être rempli de fluide biocompatible et purgé de l'air présent initialement.In all cases, the tank is sized and the opening is arranged so that, when the bottom of the tank extends in a horizontal plane, the tank can be filled with biocompatible fluid at least up to the level of the outlet. device fluidics medical, preferably above said outlet. Thus, during purging, the entire fluid circuit extending between the reservoir and the fluid outlet can be filled with biocompatible fluid and purged of the air initially present.

De manière avantageuse, l'emballage comprend en outre un couvercle amovible vis-à-vis de la cuve de sorte à obturer au moins partiellement l'ouverture. Le couvercle est de préférence emboîté sur la paroi latérale, et retenu sur celle-ci par friction ou par emboitement par exemple.Advantageously, the packaging further comprises a removable cover facing the tank so as to at least partially close the opening. The cover is preferably fitted onto the side wall, and retained thereon by friction or by nesting for example.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le couvercle est configuré pour être solidarisé à une partie seulement de la paroi latérale, le couvercle présentant au moins une zone de préhension distante de la paroi latérale. Par exemple, le couvercle peut présenter un contour dont une partie coïncide avec la forme de l'ouverture définie par la paroi latérale et une partie est en retrait de la paroi latérale, pour former un passage pour les doigts du praticien facilitant la préhension du couvercle.According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is configured to be secured to only part of the side wall, the cover having at least one gripping zone distant from the side wall. For example, the cover may have a contour, part of which coincides with the shape of the opening defined by the side wall and part of which is set back from the side wall, to form a passage for the practitioner's fingers making it easier to grip the cover. .

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le couvercle présente un autre élément de maintien adapté pour maintenir le dispositif médical dans la position verticale. Cet élément de maintien peut se présenter sous la forme d'un logement agencé en regard du logement formé dans la cuve. Ainsi, le dispositif médical est maintenu dans la position verticale en deux endroits, ce qui améliore sa stabilité notamment pendant son transport.Particularly advantageously, the cover has another holding element adapted to maintain the medical device in the vertical position. This holding element can be in the form of a housing arranged opposite the housing formed in the tank. Thus, the medical device is held in the vertical position in two places, which improves its stability, particularly during transport.

Comme la cuve, le couvercle peut être réalisé par moulage ou formage d'un matériau plastique, et le logement est intégré à l'intérieur du couvercle par moulage ou formage. Le logement peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme de deux cloisons parallèles distantes de la largeur du boîtier.Like the tank, the cover can be made by molding or forming a plastic material, and the housing is integrated inside the cover by molding or forming. The housing can for example be in the form of two parallel partitions spaced the width of the housing apart.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, l'emballage comprend un bac destiné à contenir la cuve. Le bac permet de renforcer la protection du dispositif médical contre les chocs. Le bac forme également avantageusement une enceinte stérile pour la cuve, ce qui améliore la protection du dispositif médical contre les contaminants extérieurs. De préférence, lors de l'opération d'implantation, le bac peut être manipulé et ouvert en dehors du champ stérile du bloc opératoire de sorte à pouvoir en extraire la cuve qui est transmise dans le champ stérile. La cuve est ensuite ouverte et manipulée par le praticien dans le champ stérile. Par ailleurs, comme expliqué plus bas, le bac peut être utilisé dans le procédé de purge, en étant rempli de fluide biocompatible.In certain embodiments, the packaging includes a tray intended to contain the tank. The tray reinforces the protection of the medical device against shock. The tank also advantageously forms a sterile enclosure for the tank, which improves the protection of the medical device against external contaminants. Preferably, during the implantation operation, the tank can be manipulated and opened outside the sterile field of the operating room so as to be able to extract the tank which is transmitted into the sterile field. The tank is then opened and manipulated by the practitioner in the sterile field. Furthermore, as explained below, the tank can be used in the purging process, by being filled with biocompatible fluid.

Le procédé de conditionnement du dispositif médical peut être mis en oeuvre de la façon suivante, avec l'emballage illustré sur la figure 1.The process of packaging the medical device can be implemented as follows, with the packaging illustrated on the figure 1 .

Le dispositif médical assemblé 1 est mis en place dans la cuve 2. A cet effet, on engage le dispositif médical dans le ou les élément(s) de maintien prévu(s) dans la cuve pour maintenir ledit dispositif avec la sortie fluidique au-dessus du réservoir. Lorsque la sortie fluidique est connectée à une tubulure, ladite tubulure est également de préférence engagée dans le ou les élément(s) de maintien prévu(s) dans la cuve pour maintenir ladite tubulure au fond de la cuve.The assembled medical device 1 is placed in the tank 2. For this purpose, the medical device is engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the tank to maintain said device with the fluid outlet at the above the tank. When the fluid outlet is connected to a tube, said tube is also preferably engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the tank to maintain said tubing at the bottom of the tank.

En référence à la figure 2, la cuve 2 comprend un fond 20 et une paroi latérale 21 qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement à partir du fond 20. Du côté opposé au fond 20, la paroi latérale 21 présente un bord 22 qui s'étend vers l'extérieur dans un plan horizontal. Ledit bord 22 définit une face supérieure de la cuve pourvue d'une ouverture 24.In reference to the figure 2 , the tank 2 comprises a bottom 20 and a side wall 21 which extends substantially vertically from the bottom 20. On the side opposite the bottom 20, the side wall 21 has an edge 22 which extends outwards in a horizontal plane. Said edge 22 defines an upper face of the tank provided with an opening 24.

Le dispositif médical 1 comprend un boîtier 11 dans lequel est agencé un réservoir de fluide biocompatible 13 (schématisé en pointillés sur la figure 3). Le dispositif médical 1 comprend en outre une sortie fluidique 12 qui est connectée au boîtier 11 et en liaison fluidique avec le réservoir 13. La sortie fluidique 12 assure une liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et l'extérieur du boîtier. La sortie fluidique 12 est connectée à une tubulure 10, qui est destinée à être reliée, lors de l'implantation, à la manchette occlusive.The medical device 1 comprises a housing 11 in which is arranged a reservoir of biocompatible fluid 13 (shown schematically in dotted lines on the Figure 3 ). The medical device 1 further comprises a fluid outlet 12 which is connected to the housing 11 and in fluid connection with the reservoir 13. The fluid outlet 12 ensures a fluid connection between the reservoir and the exterior of the housing. The fluid outlet 12 is connected to a tube 10, which is intended to be connected, during implantation, to the occlusive cuff.

La hauteur de la paroi latérale 21 est supérieure à la hauteur du dispositif médical dans sa position verticale de conditionnement. Ainsi, lorsque le dispositif médical 1 est agencé dans la cuve 2, comme illustré sur la figure 3, le dispositif médical est entièrement contenu dans la cuve 2. La sortie fluidique 12 est agencée sous l'ouverture 24, de sorte à pouvoir être recouverte de fluide lors du remplissage de la cuve. Le réservoir 13 est agencé sous la sortie fluidique 12 lorsque le dispositif média) est disposé dans la cuve.The height of the side wall 21 is greater than the height of the medical device in its vertical packaging position. Thus, when the medical device 1 is arranged in the tank 2, as illustrated in the Figure 3 , the medical device is entirely contained in the tank 2. The fluid outlet 12 is arranged under the opening 24, so that it can be covered with fluid when filling the tank. The reservoir 13 is arranged under the fluid outlet 12 when the media device) is placed in the tank.

Le fond 20 présente une forme sensiblement carrée afin d'assurer la stabilité de la cuve.The bottom 20 has a substantially square shape to ensure the stability of the tank.

Le fond 20 de la cuve 2 comprend un logement 201 adapté pour maintenir le dispositif médical en position verticale. Le logement 201 est défini comme une cavité formée dans le fond 20, parallèlement à l'un des côtés, et s'étend sensiblement entre le milieu d'un côté et le milieu du côté opposé du fond 20. L'emplacement du logement est dans une région centrale du fond pour assurer la stabilité de l'ensemble cuve - dispositif médical lorsque le dispositif médical est agencé dans le logement et la cuve est remplie de fluide biocompatible. La largeur dudit logement est sensiblement égale à celle du dispositif médical, afin de permettre l'insertion et le maintien du dispositif médical dans ledit logement. La profondeur du logement est choisie de sorte à éviter tout basculement du boîtier 11 ; une profondeur de 5 à 15 mm est adaptée à cette fonction.The bottom 20 of the tank 2 comprises a housing 201 adapted to maintain the medical device in a vertical position. The housing 201 is defined as a cavity formed in the bottom 20, parallel to one of the sides, and extends substantially between the middle of one side and the middle of the opposite side of the bottom 20. The location of the housing is in a central region of the bottom to ensure the stability of the tank - medical device assembly when the medical device is arranged in the housing and the tank is filled with biocompatible fluid. The width of said housing is substantially equal to that of the medical device, in order to allow the insertion and maintenance of the medical device in said housing. The depth of the housing is chosen so as to avoid any tilting of the housing 11; a depth of 5 to 15 mm is suitable for this function.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le logement 201 est pourvu de deux paires de protrusions arrondies (non illustrées), dans lesquelles les protrusions de chaque paire sont agencées en vis-à-vis dans le sens de la largeur du logement 201. Chaque paire de protrusions restreint localement la largeur du logement 201 et exerce ainsi un léger serrage sur le dispositif médical pour son maintien en position.Particularly advantageously, the housing 201 is provided with two pairs of rounded protrusions (not illustrated), in which the protrusions of each pair are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the width of the housing 201. Each pair of protrusions locally restricts the width of the housing 201 and thus exerts a slight tightening on the medical device to maintain it in position.

Le fond 20 de la cuve comprend en outre un logement 203 pour la tubulure 10 du dispositif médical. La largeur dudit logement est sensiblement égale au diamètre de la tubulure. Ledit logement se présente sous la forme de deux plots 204 parallèles en relief par rapport au fond 20. De manière avantageuse, comme pour le logement 201, les plots présentent une paire de protrusions arrondies (non illustrées) en vis-à-vis dans le sens de la largeur du logement 203. Ladite paire de protrusions restreint localement la largeur du logement 203 et exerce ainsi un léger serrage sur la tubulure. Le logement 203 est avantageusement parallèle au logement 201.The bottom 20 of the tank further comprises a housing 203 for the tubing 10 of the medical device. The width of said housing is substantially equal to the diameter of the tubing. Said housing is in the form of two parallel studs 204 in relief relative to the bottom 20. Advantageously, as for the housing 201, the studs have a pair of rounded protrusions (not shown) facing each other in the direction of the width of the housing 203. Said pair of protrusions locally restricted the width of the housing 203 and thus exerts a slight tightening on the tubing. Housing 203 is advantageously parallel to housing 201.

De manière alternative, le logement 201 pourrait être défini par une ou plusieurs paires de plots en vis-à-vis, en relief par rapport au fond de la cuve. Le logement 203 pourrait quant à lui être défini comme une cavité dans le fond de la cuve. Toute autre forme adaptée à un maintien du dispositif médical en position verticale pourrait être utilisée.Alternatively, the housing 201 could be defined by one or more pairs of opposite studs, in relief relative to the bottom of the tank. Housing 203 could be defined as a cavity in the bottom of the tank. Any other shape suitable for maintaining the medical device in a vertical position could be used.

Le couvercle 3 est mis en place sur la cuve 2. Le dispositif médical est alors engagé dans le ou le(s) élément(s) de maintien prévu(s) dans le couvercle pour maintenir ledit dispositif avec la sortie fluidique au-dessus du réservoir.The cover 3 is placed on the tank 2. The medical device is then engaged in the holding element(s) provided in the cover to maintain said device with the fluid outlet above the reservoir.

Par exemple, le couvercle peut comprendre, en regard du logement 201, un logement 30 formé dans le couvercle. Le logement 30 peut être défini par deux plots en relief par rapport à la surface intérieure du couvercle, ou comme un creux formé dans la surface intérieure du couvercle. La largeur du logement 30 est sensiblement égale à la largeur de la partie supérieure du dispositif médical 1 dans la position verticale.For example, the cover may comprise, facing the housing 201, a housing 30 formed in the cover. The housing 30 can be defined by two raised studs relative to the interior surface of the cover, or as a hollow formed in the interior surface of the cover. The width of the housing 30 is substantially equal to the width of the upper part of the medical device 1 in the vertical position.

De manière avantageuse, le couvercle 3 présente sensiblement une forme de croix. De ce fait, le couvercle n'obture qu'une partie de l'ouverture supérieure de la cuve 2, et laisse au niveau des coins de la cuve des ouvertures adaptées pour la préhension du couvercle au niveau de zones de préhension 31 par un praticien.Advantageously, the cover 3 has substantially a cross shape. As a result, the cover only closes part of the upper opening of the tank 2, and leaves openings at the corners of the tank suitable for gripping the cover at gripping zones 31 by a practitioner. .

Les formes et dimensions respectives de la paroi latérale 21 et du bord du couvercle 3 sont choisies pour permettre un emboîtement du couvercle dans la cuve. En particulier, la paroi latérale 21 peut comprendre, dans sa partie supérieure, un rebord 25 adapté pour retenir un bord respectif du couvercle 3.The respective shapes and dimensions of the side wall 21 and the edge of the cover 3 are chosen to allow the cover to fit into the tank. In particular, the side wall 21 may comprise, in its upper part, a rim 25 adapted to retain a respective edge of the cover 3.

Une première feuille 4 perméable à un gaz stérilisant, par exemple un opercule en Tyvek™, est ensuite scellée sur le bord supérieur 22 de la cuve.A first sheet 4 permeable to a sterilizing gas, for example a Tyvek ™ cover, is then sealed on the upper edge 22 of the tank.

La cuve 2 est ensuite mise en place dans le bac 5.Tank 2 is then placed in tank 5.

Le bac 5 présente une forme similaire à celle de la cuve 2 mais des dimensions supérieures. De préférence, le bac 5 présente une taille suffisante pour recevoir entièrement la cuve 2 tout en minimisant l'espace libre entre la cuve 2 et le bac 5, afin de minimiser l'encombrement de l'emballage.Tank 5 has a shape similar to that of tank 2 but larger in size. Preferably, the tank 5 has a sufficient size to fully accommodate the tank 2 while minimizing the free space between the tank 2 and the tank 5, in order to minimize the bulk of the packaging.

Le bac 5 présente un fond 50 sensiblement plan et une paroi latérale qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement à partir du fond 50. Du côté opposé au fond 50, la paroi latérale 51 présente un bord 52 qui s'étend vers l'extérieur dans un plan horizontal. Ledit bord 52 définit une face supérieure du bac pourvue d'une ouverture centrale.The tray 5 has a substantially flat bottom 50 and a side wall which extends substantially vertically from the bottom 50. On the side opposite the bottom 50, the side wall 51 has an edge 52 which extends outwards in a horizontal plane. Said edge 52 defines an upper face of the tray provided with a central opening.

De manière avantageuse, le bac 5 présente un rebord intérieur 53 procurant un appui pour le bord 22 de la cuve 2.Advantageously, the tank 5 has an interior rim 53 providing support for the edge 22 of the tank 2.

Comme le fond 20 de la cuve, le fond 50 du bac 5 est sensiblement carré pour assurer une bonne stabilité du bac.Like the bottom 20 of the tank, the bottom 50 of the tank 5 is substantially square to ensure good stability of the tank.

Une seconde feuille 6 perméable à un gaz stérilisant, par exemple un opercule en Tyvek™, est ensuite scellée sur le bord supérieur 52 du bac 5.A second sheet 6 permeable to a sterilizing gas, for example a Tyvek ™ cover, is then sealed on the upper edge 52 of the tray 5.

L'emballage ainsi scellé est stérilisé par tout moyen adapté, puis conditionné dans une boîte (non illustrée) qui constitue l'enveloppe externe dans laquelle le dispositif médical est livré à un praticien pour l'implantation chez un patient.The packaging thus sealed is sterilized by any suitable means, then packaged in a box (not illustrated) which constitutes the external envelope in which the medical device is delivered to a practitioner for implantation in a patient.

En vue de cette implantation, le praticien sort l'emballage de la boîte, retire la seconde feuille de scellage, sort la cuve puis retire la première feuille de scellage.In view of this implantation, the practitioner takes the packaging out of the box, removes the second sealing sheet, takes out the tank then removes the first sealing sheet.

D'une manière générale, le procédé de purge du dispositif médical comprend les étapes suivantes, dont l'enchaînement est illustré sur la figure 5 :

  • dans une étape 100, le praticien dispose du dispositif agencé dans la cuve, le boîtier étant maintenu dans la cuve dans la position verticale dans laquelle il a été emballé, comme illustré sur la figure 4 ; le réservoir est donc positionné entre le fond de la cuve et la sortie fluidique,
  • dans une étape 200, le praticien remplit la cuve avec un fluide biocompatible, de sorte à immerger dans le fluide une zone de l'emballage extérieure au dispositif médical qui est en liaison fluidique avec la sortie fluidique du réservoir,
  • dans une étape 300, la purge du dispositif médical est réalisée, permettant le remplissage du réservoir par le fluide biocompatible et l'extraction de tout l'air présent initialement dans le circuit fluidique.
Generally speaking, the process for purging the medical device comprises the following steps, the sequence of which is illustrated in the figure 5 :
  • in a step 100, the practitioner has the device arranged in the tank, the housing being held in the tank in the vertical position in which it was packaged, as illustrated in the figure 4 ; the reservoir is therefore positioned between the bottom of the tank and the fluid outlet,
  • in a step 200, the practitioner fills the tank with a biocompatible fluid, so as to immerse in the fluid a zone of the packaging external to the medical device which is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet of the reservoir,
  • in a step 300, the medical device is purged, allowing the filling of the reservoir with the biocompatible fluid and the extraction of all the air initially present in the fluidic circuit.

Ces différentes étapes sont décrites plus en détail ci-après.These different stages are described in more detail below.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le praticien sort la cuve du bac en vue de la remplir de fluide biocompatible.According to one embodiment, the practitioner takes the tank out of the tank in order to fill it with biocompatible fluid.

Pour effectuer ce remplissage et la mise en oeuvre de la purge, le praticien doit s'assurer que le fond de la cuve soit horizontal.To carry out this filling and carry out the purge, the practitioner must ensure that the bottom of the tank is horizontal.

L'horizontalité du fond de la cuve peut être assurée en posant le fond de la cuve sur une surface plane et horizontale, par exemple une table.The horizontality of the bottom of the tank can be ensured by placing the bottom of the tank on a flat and horizontal surface, for example a table.

Cette horizontalité peut être confirmée au moyen d'un indicateur adéquat. Par exemple, un tel indicateur d'horizontalité peut être un indicateur de l'horizontalité d'un niveau d'eau dans la cuve. Cet indicateur peut par exemple se présenter sous la forme d'un ou plusieurs segments formés dans la cuve, par exemple directement par moulage, voire par impression, et placés dans la partie supérieure de la cuve, parallèlement au fond. Un tel indicateur peut également servir d'indicateur de remplissage pour le praticien, lui signalant jusqu'à quelle hauteur de la cuve il doit verser le fluide biocompatible pour permettre une purge efficace. La figure 2 illustre un mode de réalisation d'un tel indicateur d'horizontalité sous la forme d'une ligne intérieure 23 en creux ou en relief s'étendant dans un plan horizontal à l'intérieur de la paroi latérale 21. De préférence, ladite ligne intérieure 23 s'étend sur plusieurs côtés de la paroi latérale 21, de manière continue ou discontinue.This horizontality can be confirmed by means of an appropriate indicator. For example, such a horizontality indicator can be an indicator of the horizontality of a water level in the tank. This indicator can for example be in the form of one or more segments formed in the tank, for example directly by molding, or even by printing, and placed in the upper part of the tank, parallel to the bottom. Such an indicator can also serve as a filling indicator for the practitioner, telling him up to what height of the tank he must pour the biocompatible fluid to allow effective purging. There figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of such an indicator horizontality in the form of an interior line 23 in hollow or relief extending in a horizontal plane inside the side wall 21. Preferably, said interior line 23 extends on several sides of the wall lateral 21, continuously or discontinuously.

Une indication sur l'horizontalité du fond de la cuve peut également être fournie par le dispositif médical lui-même. En effet, le dispositif comprend généralement un accéléromètre agencé dans le boîtier, qui peut être utilisé, lorsque le dispositif médical est implanté, pour déterminer une posture ou une activité du patient. Le boîtier étant solidaire du fond de la cuve avec une orientation déterminée par rapport à celui-ci (généralement perpendiculaire), l'accéléromètre peut fournir une indication de l'inclinaison du fond de la cuve.An indication of the horizontality of the bottom of the tank can also be provided by the medical device itself. Indeed, the device generally includes an accelerometer arranged in the housing, which can be used, when the medical device is implanted, to determine a posture or activity of the patient. The housing being integral with the bottom of the tank with a determined orientation relative to it (generally perpendicular), the accelerometer can provide an indication of the inclination of the bottom of the tank.

De manière alternative ou complémentaire, cette horizontalité peut être assurée en plaçant la cuve dans un récipient rempli lui-même d'un fluide. Dans ce cas, la cuve est dimensionnée pour que, lorsqu'elle contient le dispositif médical dans la position prévue pour la purge, elle flotte dans le récipient en maintenant la sortie fluidique du dispositif médical au-dessus du réservoir.Alternatively or additionally, this horizontality can be ensured by placing the tank in a container itself filled with a fluid. In this case, the tank is sized so that, when it contains the medical device in the position intended for purging, it floats in the container while maintaining the fluid outlet of the medical device above the reservoir.

Le bac dans lequel la cuve est agencée dans l'emballage peut être utilisé en tant que récipient à cet effet.The tray in which the tank is arranged in the packaging can be used as a container for this purpose.

Le praticien remplit alors la cuve avec du fluide biocompatible qui est destiné au fonctionnement du dispositif médical. Ledit fluide peut être par exemple du sérum physiologique.The practitioner then fills the tank with biocompatible fluid which is intended for the operation of the medical device. Said fluid may for example be physiological serum.

Il active ensuite l'actionneur du dispositif médical pour chasser l'air présent dans le circuit fluidique s'étendant entre le réservoir et la sortie fluidique et dans la tubulure le cas échéant, et remplir ledit circuit fluidique et la tubulure avec le fluide biocompatible. L'actionneur peut être activé plusieurs fois, par exemple trois fois, entrainant le déplacement d'une paroi mobile du réservoir pour faire varier un volume du réservoir et ainsi exercer une action de pompage, jusqu'à ce que le circuit fluidique soit entièrement purgé (aucune bulle d'air ne s'échappant de la sortie fluidique).It then activates the actuator of the medical device to expel the air present in the fluidic circuit extending between the reservoir and the fluidic outlet and in the tubing if necessary, and fill said fluidic circuit and the tubing with the biocompatible fluid. The actuator can be activated several times, for example three times, causing the movement of a movable wall of the tank to vary a volume of the tank and thus exert a pumping action, until the fluidic circuit is completely purged (no air bubbles escaping from the fluid outlet).

Cette activation de l'actionneur ne nécessite pas de manipulation du dispositif médical lui-même. En effet, le dispositif médical comprend des moyens de communication sans fil avec une télécommande externe, qui permet de paramétrer le dispositif et de lui envoyer des ordres d'activation ou de désactivation.This activation of the actuator does not require manipulation of the medical device itself. In fact, the medical device includes means of wireless communication with an external remote control, which makes it possible to configure the device and send it activation or deactivation orders.

Une fois la purge achevée, le praticien peut obturer la sortie fluidique ou l'extrémité de la tubulure le cas échéant, et sort le dispositif médical de la cuve en vue de l'opération d'implantation.Once the purge is completed, the practitioner can close the fluid outlet or the end of the tubing if necessary, and removes the medical device from the tank for the implantation operation.

Ainsi, avant l'implantation, le praticien n'a pas touché le dispositif médical, ce qui permet d'éviter ou tout au moins de minimiser les risques de contamination du dispositif.Thus, before implantation, the practitioner has not touched the medical device, which makes it possible to avoid or at least minimize the risks of contamination of the device.

Par ailleurs, l'intervention du praticien n'est pas requise pendant la mise en oeuvre de la purge. En effet, une fois que la purge a été enclenchée, c'est l'actionneur du dispositif qui aspire le fluide biocompatible et chasse l'air. Le praticien peut donc se consacrer à d'autres tâches, telles que la préparation de l'implantation. Le temps chirurgical peut ainsi être réduit de manière significative.Furthermore, the intervention of the practitioner is not required during the implementation of the purge. Indeed, once the purge has been initiated, it is the actuator of the device which draws in the biocompatible fluid and expels the air. The practitioner can therefore devote himself to other tasks, such as preparing for implantation. Surgical time can thus be significantly reduced.

Enfin, le fait que la mise en oeuvre de la purge soit automatique accroit la fiabilité du procédé.Finally, the fact that the implementation of the purge is automatic increases the reliability of the process.

Il est entendu que les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus correspondent à des exemples particuliers et non-limitatifs et que diverses modifications peuvent être apportées sans pour autant s'éloigner de l'invention.It is understood that the embodiments described above correspond to particular and non-limiting examples and that various modifications can be made without departing from the invention.

Claims (10)

  1. A method for draining a medical device (1) adapted to be implanted in a human or animal body, said medical device comprising a casing (11) enclosing a fluid reservoir (13) and a fluid outlet (12) forming a fluid connection between the reservoir and a volume external to the casing, comprising:
    - providing the device in a packaging comprising a tank (2), the casing being held in the tank in a position in which the reservoir is positioned between the bottom of the tank and the fluid outlet,
    - filling the tank (2) with a biocompatible fluid, so that a zone of the packaging external to the medical device which is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet of the reservoir is immersed in the fluid,
    - draining the medical device by filling the reservoir (13) with the biocompatible fluid and discharging the air present in the reservoir (13) to the fluid outlet (12).
  2. The method according to claim 1, comprising a step of checking horizontality of the bottom (20) of the tank.
  3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said checking is based on a horizontality indicator of the fluid level in the tank (2).
  4. The method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said checking of horizontality is performed by means of an accelerometer of the medical device.
  5. The method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tank is immersed in a container (5) filled with a fluid to obtain horizontality of the bottom of the tank.
  6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step of draining the medical device is performed by moving a movable wall of the tank to vary a volume of the reservoir.
  7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said movement of the movable wall of the reservoir is performed by an electromechanical actuator arranged in the casing.
  8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the casing 11) comprises a single fluid outlet (12) and a single fluid connection between the reservoir and said fluid outlet.
  9. The method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the medical device (1) is adapted to control an occlusion of a natural duct of the human or animal body.
  10. The method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the medical device (1) is selected from the group consisting of an artificial sphincter, an artificial muscle, an electrical stimulator, a gastric band, a neurostimulator, and a penile implant.
EP20845206.0A 2019-12-16 2020-12-15 Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted Active EP4076270B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1914526A FR3104406B1 (en) 2019-12-16 2019-12-16 Method for purging a medical device adapted to be implanted
PCT/FR2020/052446 WO2021123604A1 (en) 2019-12-16 2020-12-15 Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4076270A1 EP4076270A1 (en) 2022-10-26
EP4076270B1 true EP4076270B1 (en) 2024-01-17

Family

ID=71784097

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20845206.0A Active EP4076270B1 (en) 2019-12-16 2020-12-15 Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20220409353A1 (en)
EP (1) EP4076270B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2023506072A (en)
CN (1) CN115190784A (en)
BR (1) BR112022010597A2 (en)
FR (1) FR3104406B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2021123604A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4597765A (en) * 1984-12-27 1986-07-01 American Medical Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for packaging a fluid containing prosthesis
US4750619A (en) * 1987-08-10 1988-06-14 Osteonics Corp. Package with tray for securing and presenting a sterile prosthetic implant element
FR3028749B1 (en) 2014-11-25 2020-10-09 Uromems IMPLANTABLE OCCLUSIVE SYSTEM

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3104406B1 (en) 2022-10-14
EP4076270A1 (en) 2022-10-26
JP2023506072A (en) 2023-02-14
US20220409353A1 (en) 2022-12-29
FR3104406A1 (en) 2021-06-18
CN115190784A (en) 2022-10-14
BR112022010597A2 (en) 2022-08-16
WO2021123604A1 (en) 2021-06-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1262851A (en) Manually operated implantable device for the sequential dispensation of doses of substances, particularly therapeutical substances
EP1317230B1 (en) Device for controlling the inflation of a prosthetic envelope
EP1496961B1 (en) Packaging for sterile objects or objects to be sterilized
AU2005244376B2 (en) Conditioning device for injecting the intraocular lens
JP4460452B2 (en) Container filling and sealing method
JP5571668B2 (en) Intraocular lens and pre-loaded cassette for lens injection system
WO2003049645A2 (en) Cassette and injector for flexible intraocular lens and method for injecting such lenses
EP2969902B1 (en) Reception, draining and transfer of a high quantity of biopharmaceutical fluid under pressure with a view to subsequent treatment
EP2205306A1 (en) Device for inflating a surgical implant
EP1208861A1 (en) Protecting device for a syringe needle
EP2086476A2 (en) Implantable medical device with pressure limiter
WO1989010729A1 (en) Ophthalmological instrument
EP4076270B1 (en) Method for draining a medical device adapted to be implanted
FR3104404A1 (en) Packaging for a medical device suitable for implantation
EP3723481B1 (en) Medical device for preservation of corneal tissue, comprising an applanation cover, and optionally a trepanation cover
FR2872696A1 (en) INTRODUCER FOR ENDOLUMINAL INTERVENTION
FR2841127A1 (en) BREATHING DEVICE FOR PLACEMENT ON A CONTAINER SUCH AS A BOTTLE
FR2673526A1 (en) Device for preparing for the insertion of a flexible intraocular lens
EP3595582B1 (en) Device for injecting a flexible intraocular lens
WO2002091887A1 (en) Device used to receive, hold in place and centre one or more flowers and a container equipped with said device
FR2511242A1 (en) Cap for multi:dose flask of sterile soln. for contact lenses - allows only sterile air to replace each dose as delivered
FR2511842A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID USEFUL FOR WATERING PLANTS
FR2678147A1 (en) Device for controlling the counterpressure exerted on a plastic container immersed in an autoclave
EP0568491A1 (en) Apparatus for rinsing wounds in surgery

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220708

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230808

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: HO, THIERRY

Inventor name: MIR, RIAZ

Inventor name: BEAUGERIE, AURELIEN

Inventor name: MOZER, PIERRE

Inventor name: LAMRAOUI, HAMID

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: UROMEMS

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20231207

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602020024618

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR